The 2025 Tumut Cycle Classic, held on Sunday 5 January, was once again a resounding success, marking the ninth running of the popular event in the last 10 years (it was cancelled in 2020 due to the bushfires).
This year’s renewal attracted riders from across Australia, with participants travelling from all over New South Wales as well as the ACT, Victoria and Queensland.
“Almost 400 people attended overall, which we were really elated about,” said the Classic’s driving force and chief organiser, well-known community figure, Dr Tarek Sari.
“This year, we raised money to purchase cystoscopy scopes, which will be used by urologists for various procedures at Tumut Hospital.”
A notable addition to the 2025 event was the introduction of the new Gravel Ride, which quickly gained popularity among participants.
The Tumut Cycle Classic continues to grow in popularity.
“As the name implies, the vast majority of the Gravel Ride is on gravel, which a lot of cyclists are keen to ride on,” Dr Sari explained.
Other ride options included a 20-kilometre family-friendly event, along with 40, 75 and 100-kilometres.
Despite facing a badly fractured shoulder in the lead-up to the event, Dr Sari remained the main hands-on organiser, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Local businesswoman and medical colleague, Adrianna Benjamin, praised Dr Sari’s dedication, commenting after the event, “My dear friend, colleague and chiropractor, Dr Tarek Sari, has a heart of gold and gives it his absolute all.”
“He continues to organise an event that unites our Tumut community as one, showcasing his compassionate spirit and dedication to serving people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”
Over its 10 year history, the Tumut Cycle Classic has raised around $300,000 for Tumut Hospital, $20,000 for CareFlight and $10,000 for the Tumut Rural Fire Brigade.
The funds donated to Tumut Hospital over the years have been instrumental in ensuring that it is equipped with life-saving medical equipment and supporting vital emergency services in the region.
Dr Tarik Sari (centre) has been the Tumut Cycle Classic’s driving force since its inception in 2015.
The Tumut Cycle Classic takes place in and around the picturesque New South Wales town of Tumut, a location known for its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty.
Situated more than 400 kilometres from Sydney’s bustling CBD, Tumut, with its population of nearly 7,000, has become a favorite destination for cycling enthusiasts.
The Classic has over time evolved into much more than just a cycling competition – it’s now a celebration of community, charity and determination.
Dr Sari, founder of The Back Specialist Health Clinic at Greenacre in southwest Sydney, established the Tumut Cycle Classic in 2015 in collaboration with his Sydney Muslim Cyclists team.
Having served as the Classic’s president until 2022, he has remained on board as treasurer and chief organiser.
His vision – and those of his peers at the Sydney Muslim Cyclists (who support the Classic strongly each and every year) – was to create an event that not only brought cycling enthusiasts together but also contributed to the betterment of the Tumut community.
“The success of the event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our organising committee, the unwavering support of the Tumut community and the committed cyclists, many of whom travel great distances to take part in this remarkable day,” Dr Sari pointed out.
“This initiative also illustrates how a healthy pursuit like cycling can bring people from completely different backgrounds and from all over Australia together for a great cause.”
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